12.31.2013

A Ballpark Thank You

As I looked back over my 2013 calendar, I found myself poking around my blog and reliving a few events of the past year.  Some of my life is exactly the same; some is challengingly new.

I'm in my robe, sipping hot tea, as I've got a head cold that started the day after Christmas, so no parties for this girl tonight.  I'll be blowing my nose instead of a party horn, but I'm OK with that.  I'll watch the ball drop on TV, if I can stay awake.

My New Year's message to every reader is this:  Thank you.  Just thank you.  For popping in.  For reading anything I've written.  For commenting on any post.  For following this blog in any form.  For taking time to visit the Ballpark.  There are a gazillion blogs out there in blogwarts, and I appreciate anyone who decides to spend time here.  

Every writer hopes to touch someone's heart, or share a helpful idea.  We want to connect, because that's what writing is about: connection.  Realizing we're more alike than we are different.  Realizing we're not alone.  Realizing we're not completely nuts, that others make the same mistakes we do.  It's a wonderful thing.

So, thank you for reading.  I never take for granted that you come by.

Here are some highlights from 2013.    

THIS TIME LAST YEAR

ROSES, BABIES, A NEW WRITING GIG, AND NO CHOCOLATE

BRAIN SURGERY AT 90

A LITTLE PIECE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM

ACCIDENTAL BLESSINGS (and one totaled car)

FAVORITE DIY PROJECT THIS YEAR

LEARNING WHAT I'M MADE OF - BULLDOG, OR WIMP?

ESTROGEN-ONLY WEEK AT THE BEACH

25 WAYS TO REACH OUTSIDE MYSELF DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

I hope your New Year brings many opportunities to recognize that, in spite of the difficulties you might face, we have a loving Creator who always has a plan.



14 comments:

Juli said...

We are so NOT alone in this universe. :) Sorry about your cold... I'll be snoozing through the ball drop faithfully as I do every year.

(((HUGS)))

betty said...

Hope you feel better from your cold. I read about your daughter's car accident; so thankful she was okay! It is so reassuring we do know who is in control of all of our days and who will be with us every step of the way in 2014. I am glad His plans are so much more better than mine too!

Happy New Year to you and yours!

betty

J said...

Happy New Year too you, too! I've had a congested cold for 3 days - bad enough to stay in bed all those days. I'm like you, though - still grateful for what this season has brought me in joy and peace. I wish you lots of good 2014 blessings!

Mari said...

Happy New Year! Hope you get over that cold quickly.

Patti said...

Hi Mare

I'm just now getting back to you about my homemade oreos. First, my husband DEVOURED them. My daughter said and I quote "They aren't the same without all the chemicals" ha! Yes they probably are bad of you as far as sugar, fat, etc. BUT they have GOT to be better than the artificial ingredients from the factory. I think I took a few photos. I'll check.

My internet was down for a week. Talk about feeling disconnected!

Happy New Year

Dana said...

Happy New Year! I hope you're feeling better soon. And thank you for all your posts—you inspire me, friend. Wishing you all the best. ☺

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I'm sending you the very best of wishes for a happy 2014!

Kenya G. Johnson said...

Awww it stinks to bring in the new year sick. I hope you feel better soon. Lol to "blog warts".

Michael Ann said...

I started blog hopping a few years back, when I started my baking blog, as a means to make connections with other bloggers and to hopefully get others to MY blog. That's how I found your blog...but I don't blog hop anymore and only read one or two blogs from those early days. Yours is one of them :-) You make the reader feel like a friend, like we are just sitting at your kitchen table over a cup of tea. Thanks for sharing your life with us! Happy New Year!

Dana Martin said...

So happy to have some time to read blogs today! Yours is one I treasure. When I have the time, I come here. Blessings to you and yours... and keep writing: we will be reading.

~d.

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

You are welcome and I will be back lots during 2014, since I am like a bad penny you just can't get rid of me........

Karen Jones Gowen said...

And thank you back, Mare! Happy New Year.

Susannah said...

I hope 2014 is your best year yet!!! :-)

Marianne said...

Sometimes I get busy & don't pop in as much as I should, but stopping by here always feels warm & welcome. Thank you for all that you write!